Reality TV Producers Form New York-Based Trade Association

A group of New York-based reality TV production companies have formed the non-profit trade group called the Nonfiction Producers Association (NPA), which will be dedicated to maintaining, growing and nurturing the documentary and nonfiction TV production industry.

The group will be headquartered in New York, but will open its membership nationwide. The organization was created to serve as a professional body that can provide industry information, training and assistance to production companies, their staffs, and production employees, as well as to promote “best practices” that ensure production employees, independent contractors, vendors and other stakeholders have a voice and platform for meaningful discourse that can encourage and contribute to the continued success and welfare of all parties within the nonfiction television industry.

Rick Feldman (pictured), former president and CEO of the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE), has been appointed as the new group’s executive director.

In its maiden statement, the NPA said that the organization will be “dedicated to the advancement and protection of all those whose talents, hard work and commitment literally created” the reality TV industry.

“For nearly two decades, the creators, producers, artists, craftspeople and technicians working in reality TV – including documentaries, character-driven reality series, lifestyle series and competition shows – have enthralled audiences worldwide, telling extraordinary stories of real people who share their talents, dreams and frailties,” the statement said.

“Nonfiction content is a significant part of the programming landscape and, thus, warrants an Association dedicated to the advancement and protection of all those whose talents, hard work and commitment literally created the industry. The businesses of nonfiction television take pride in providing vibrant creative workplaces and opportunity for thousands of ambitious men and women. The Nonfiction Producers Association looks forward to growing its membership, and eagerly and enthusiastically welcomes many more production companies to our ranks as we unite to protect and celebrate our dynamic entertainment genre.”